Knee High by the Fourth of July

Murder by Month Mystery #3

by Jess Lourey

Independence Day comes with fireworks, a budding romance, and hometown murder in this sharp and witty mystery by Edgar Award–nominated author Jess Lourey.

When Fourth of July weekend coincides with Wenonga Days—the annual celebration of a locally famous Ojibwe leader—the town of Battle Lake double-dips on the tourist trade. This year the hullabaloo hasn’t even started and there’s already a story for reporter Mira James.

The Chief Wenonga statue has disappeared, leaving behind drops of human blood and a big question for How and why would anyone steal a twenty-three-foot monument? Things go from curious to worse when a local man is kidnapped. And from worse to downright gruesome when a corpse is found in the lakeside cabin of a horticultural hottie Mira’s been crushing on from afar.

Mira has no choice but to trail a statue thief, find a missing person, and clear an earthy dreamboat’s name from a murder charge. Not to mention risk her own life to unmask a cold-blooded killer.

Revised This edition of Knee High by the Fourth of July includes editorial revisions.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Cozy, Audiobook, Chick Lit

231 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2007

About the author

My name is Jess Lourey, and I write about secrets.

The story of my first published novel is both devastating and transformative, something I speak about in my TEDx Talk (https://youtu.be/a5vSLh3oPXI). I've come a long way since then. I'm proud to call myself a bestselling, twice Edgar-nominated, and twice Goodreads Readers Choice Awards shortlisted author who has won the ITW Thriller, Minnesota Book, and Anthony Awards. I write crime fiction, young adult, nonfiction, children's books, and book club fiction.

I've reached over a million readers since 2020. I'm also a former writing and sociology professor who still loves to teach transformative creative writing workshops built around my Rewrite Your Life method.

I live in Minneapolis with a rotating batch of foster kittens (and occasional foster puppies, but man those goobers are a lot of work). Pop on over to Lourey's Literati, my VIP Reader group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/38538...) and/or sign up for my molasses newsletter (https://jessicalourey.com/newsletter) for the latest news, giveaways, and insider information.

p.s. You can find the Unspeakable Things epilogue here: https://jessicalourey.com/survey-two.

Reviews

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even the title had me smiling... cute plot.. easy read...

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel committed to this series now, even though I'm not loving them. There are some good things about the series. I like the small town feel. I like some of the characters. But to really enjoy this you need to accept that every character in the small town is over quirky, and I do mean over quirky. You also have to accept that the protagonist is a library manager without any qualifications and can leave the library at a whim, and constantly. I like that she works at a library, but a little bit more realism would be nice there.

Out of the three I've read so far, this is my least favourite. Mainly because most of the book is about the protagonist being irrational. I'm all for fun in a book, and that seems to be the appeal to many readers for this series. Maybe I'm expecting too much? I don't know. But this book felt rushed, compared to the first two and I wonder if the author felt rushed when it was first written.

I thought the mystery was okay. The reasoning behind it was a bit hard to believe, but it still seemed well put together by the end. That makes me think the mysteries in future books will be strong.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for a free copy of the book for an honest review.

[Jill e. · Rating 3 out of 5]

My opinion is biased because the main characters and the setting in this cozy novel feel like home to me, so I might be more fond of the feel of these novels than I ought. That said: I decided to whip right through this book after a devastating hometown incident that killed 5 people and wounded 40 others in a suburb of Wisconsin just days ago when an SUV drove into a holiday parade just miles away from me. I needed some cozy comfort. And maybe I'd even learn some more gardening/plant advice, too! (Bonus! I am not into the inclusion of recipes in cozies! Give me plant info instead!)

Battle Lake feels right around the corner from me, and that's why I stuck with Mira through an unsteady beginning. This is Mira's 3rd month/novel and I predict they only get cozier and better come August (next book). I'd label these as light reading for the simultaneously Midwestern "cosmopolitan" small-town gal (did you go to the city for college? Move to the city after growing up small, but adore visiting tiny lake towns?). And I'm gonna say this again: I appreciate that Mira isn't a virginal Mary Sue.

[Phoenix2 · Rating 1 out of 5]

'Knee High by the Fourth of July' is the July month of the series.

Having been accustomed to the locals this time, the book feels cozy and familiar, though, this time around, the romance was more interesting than the mystery, which was just so so. And, on that note, the romance didn't have much development either.

[Shannon Mayhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea this is the 3rd book in the series. Goes to show you that I go into my books very blindly. That being said, I had no problems and I don’t think reading the others are necessary for you to read this one. You might want to though because of how adorable the book is. Fast read and easy to follow along. Great humor and story line.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and well-paced cozy mystery.

Generally I’m not a huge fan of true cozies (or most things set in the Midwest), but has some decent humor and solid sense of place, and the mystery itself was actually surprisingly well done for the genre.

I’ve learned to go into cozies with the understanding that there’s going to be a certain amount of cringiness and insipidness to them, particularly in the dialogue. This one is no exception, but it has some actual quality to it as well, and the jokes aren’t all bad.

Worth a read if you want something light, and fun and engaging in audiobook format.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Emily Wiebold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel invested in this series now and this was probably my favorite one so far.

[Gloria Mccracken · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Janet Evanovich wannabe. Besides that annoyance, there was an egregious error of fact. I can say from first-hand experience that residents of Wisconsin, most specifically residents of Wausau, do NOT call pop "soda", despite the assertion in the book. Also do not like AT ALL cliff-hanging endings. They're a cheap attempt to get you to read the next in the series. Sorry. I'm not biting.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Not too challenging. I think the reader needs to be from Battle Lake, Minn, or have summered there, as I did, to appreciate the author’s efforts.

[Coni · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in this series was pretty similar to the last one in terms of a cozy mystery. Sure, someone might have gotten hurt or maybe died, but also where is the big, missing town statue? That's what everyone is wondering about. Mira will find out since she is the new Jessica Fletcher in this town.

Even though the mysteries themselves are silly and the people that are dead are either minor characters or people visiting in town, it is breezy enough to quickly read. I do really like all the small town people, even the annoying ones. I've come to like some of them with their weird quirks.

There is also a romance subplot, but it is so minor that sometimes I forget it is even part of the book. It almost feels like the author was told to add some romance to it so it is crammed in there a bit, but not too much. It ends on a bit of a romance cliffhanger so off to the next one to find out what happens.

[Whitney Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the quirky nature of this book! Short sweet and to the point with its 198 pages, the book hooks you and keeps you guessing the entire time. While you think you know what’s going to happen, the crazy town of Battle Creek, Minnesota keeps you on your toes. I feel like you feel all of the emotions with this one. Anger, annoyance, giddiness, etc. The quote of the cover that boasts it as a “laugh out loud mystery ride” is for sure 100% true. And to end on a cliffhanger… but I like the open-ended nature of the cliffhanger, leaves you guessing but also lets you insert your own assumption here. Only giving it 3 stars because I’m not much of a mystery reader BUT I had fun reading this one!

[Barbie Bumpus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Jess Lourey and Thomas & Mercer for my ARC. This was a cute, cozy mystery. I kept guessing who the culprit was throughout the book. I think there was a bit too much at times. Just a bit of too much filler, but overall a good book. There were parts that made me laugh. It was a pretty quick read as well. This is my first book in the series. Since this book keeps you hanging at the end, you’ll have to read the next book, August Moon.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book three of twelve.

Mari is involved in a mystery about the death of a man 🚹. Then the chiefs statue is missing. It all comes to a happy ending 😀.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰.

[Karine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book very much. It had action, romance, death, mystery and kept me reading none stop. The ending got me so curious that I will probably read the next book the first day of the August month, I can’t wait .... can you?

[Kaliah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a light, cute read. Mira can be a bit irrational and sometimes there are plot points that feel unrealistic, but I think it just goes with the overall tone. The best part was that I found myself laughing aloud, which was a nice surprise because I rarely read books that are funny.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series. Good mystery, interesting characters and witty dialogue.

[Tonya Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rating....enjoy this one more than the first!! A quick read with laughs!!

[Lacy Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting mystery! Poor Mira is still striking out.

[Desiray Scalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so fun! Perfect listen for July 4th. I am always guessing who the killer is and how her love life plays a role.

[Livia · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

this series is a big old wtf moment

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh this series is so fun!! It's part cozy mystery, part rom-com set in the 90s with plenty of nostalgia that throws you back in time! I get so excited when a new month is released because I just know I’m gonna love every quirky adventure & bushel basket of mayhem that will find Mira & the gang of Battle Lake … ready or not! With each new month, the characters grow on me & I find myself with lots of laugh out loud moments! This one leaves us with a mini cliffhanger … so bring on August & let’s find out who is knocking on Mira’s door!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent mystery, but I think I'm done with the series due to the author's habit of ending each book with a cliffhanger for the next book in the series.

[Jodi Pomerleau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third in the series and it is getting there. Mira is still an awkward woman trying to make her way in Battle Lake, half in love with a statue and lusting after her landscaper. I'd give this a slightly higher rating than the previous 2 book except for the cliff hanger at the end of the book. It's a good thing this is not the first book I've read because this seriously turns me off of authors. I have abandoned better books than this one for that terrible tactic. Either finish the story with who is at the door, or leave the entire scenario out all together. It doesn't add to the story at all, and I am sure there are many people who agree that this makes them lose interest in an author.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the huge fiberglass statue of Chief Wenonga in town goes missing Mira James knows she has to find him. When the men in her life all let her down Mira dreamed that the statue was real. But there's more than just the statue missing that's wrong here.

I was surprised in this book to read that Minnesota is so blistering hot. Who would have thought?

This series has really grown on me. I love it!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are so-so to me, but I keep reading them. I will say this was better than the last one. I like the setting but sometimes the Mira character just seems a bit too out-there for belief. It is original how the mystery doesn't always start with or center around a murder. This time it centered around a missing statue, so it is creative.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still loving this series, including the references to the wood ticks and mosquitoes.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty good mystery, love the setting and definitely liked this book. Would recommend

Thank you to Jess Lourey, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of this book.

[Anna Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I’m well and truly hooked into this series now and this third instalment is a return to the funny form of May Day. My biggest issue with June Bug was that the mystery wasn’t really very interesting but that’s not the case here.
While the plot isn’t overly convoluted, there are enough elements and red herrings to keep the pages turning to the conclusion. This time, the mystery centres around the disappearance of a 23ft statue, and pride of place in the town. As we reach fever pitch for the fourth of July, Mira (who may or may not have commitment phobias) is determined to solve the mystery and bring back the “visually pleasing” (for want of a better phrase) statue.
Our usual cast of characters is here: the central heroine and super sleuth Mira, her crush Johnny, the inimitable Kennie, and even more inimitable Mrs Berns, who is fast becoming my favourite character (and possible role model!).
There’s nothing particularly taxing about these books; they have, to me, the feel of a point-and-click adventure game where we start with a few key locations and the character goes back and forth between looking at every random thing they can find until something clicks – there is that slightly ridiculous feel to them which can sometimes feel trite, but works well here.
I also love how Battle Lake seems to be becoming familiar to me, despite never being there. I think that’s a testament to the author’s appreciation for the place.
As I said, I’m hooked and, while they might not be up for a Booker, I love passing a few zany hours in the world of this series.

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer, via NetGalley, for the eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Ellen Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Knee High by the Fourth of July,” by Jess Lourey, A Murder by the Month Mystery 3rd in the series. Narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya / Brilliance Publishing / Brilliance Audio
Pub date June 25, 2024 (originally published in 2007)

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for providing me a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Chief Wenonga statue has disappeared in the town of Battle Lake and human blood is found at the site where the statue stood. The situation becomes more grim when a local man is kidnapped and a corpse is found in a cabin belonging to a man that librarian / reporter Mira James has a crush on, leaving her no choice but to find the killer before he strikes again.
I have not read the first two books in this series and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read them in order. In the beginning, the story seemed a little outdated with her answering machine and payphones available and then I discovered that it was originally published in 2007 which explains some of that. This cozy mystery just didn’t grab me and I found myself skipping ahead to the cliffhanger ending. Narrator Jennifer Jill Araya did a perfect job.
While I don’t think I will read or listen anymore in this series, I will probably check out some of the more recent books by this author.
This audiobook comes out June 25th so you have time to go read or listen to the first one May Day and the second one June Bug before beginning this one.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a huge romcom reader, but I went out on a limb and requested the galley of this and another of Lourey's Murder-by-Month Mysteries from Netgalley.

I'm glad I did.

I had just finished a mystery where it was clear that the writer took themselves far too seriously. The story was beyond belief, but not because the mystery was well-defined and difficult to guess. Rather, it was a mystery how anyone couldn't guess whodunit within the first few chapters.

That was not an issue with "Knee High by the Fourth of July," which definitely does not take itself too seriously. It's an enjoyable read, both because Lourey is a great at setting a scene, and because she has a way with words that is lighthearted and honest. There were several times where I laughed out loud.

The action takes place in a small town in Minnesota, where the protagonist Mira writes for the local weekly paper and runs the library. She apparently has a real knack for getting into and finding trouble. So when the town's towering statue of a local Indigenous hero goes missing, Mira is on the case.

Is the mystery far-fetched? Does it seem at times like Mira is trying to avoid solving the mystery so Lourey has a few extra pages? Can the reader fairly easily determine the bad guy? Yes to all of the above. But you know what? Sometimes, those things don't matter when it's a low-stakes read and you need a laugh. And this book definitely delivers on that.